MBDA, L&T form Indian joint venture
MBDA has formed a joint venture with India’s Larsen and Toubro (L&T) to develop and supply missiles and missile systems to meet the growing potential requirements of the Indian armed forces. MBDA announced the development on 13 February.
Named L&T MBDA Missile Systems, the joint venture will be incorporated in the first half of this year, pending necessary approvals. L&T will own 51 percent of the company and MBDA, 49 percent.
L&T and MBDA have previously collaborated and partnered on co-development and production of major subsystems involving complex technologies and sophisticated weapon systems such as MICA missile launchers and airframe segments including control actuation units for Indian Ministry of Defence orders.
The joint venture will focus on business opportunities in the missiles and missile systems domain. This will begin with a project aiming to develop and supply fifth generation anti-tank guided missiles, missiles for coastal batteries and high speed target drones.
Antoine Bouvier, CEO, MBDA, said: ‘Our business strategy in India has always focused on forming partnerships at the deepest level, not just with the armed forces but also with Indian industry. This has seen us involved in the transfer of technology and the production of products and components with the state-owned Defence Public Sector Undertakings and also with the establishment of very close partnerships with the Indian private sector including large companies and SMEs.
‘The setting up of this joint venture is a natural progression of our partnership strategy. With L&T, I am convinced that we have found the ideal Indian partner.’
More from Defence Notes
-
![Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain]()
Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain
Are all systems ready for the next mission? Have upgrades been applied? Are all assets aligned to deploy together, on time and fully prepared? In modern defence operations, readiness is no longer measured platform by platform. It is measured by how well people, assets, data and decisions move together — across land, sea and air.
-
![How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces]()
How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces
Saab has outlined how it is using artificial intelligence to make training more like electronic gaming, while the UK’s Power Size Technologies is applying the same technology to better evaluate and design vehicle capability, moving AI-enabled innovation further upstream from the frontline.
-
![From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)]()
From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)
Philipp von Brandenstein, Head of Corporate Communications at Rheinmetall, explains how Eurosatory 2026 marked a new stage in the company's evolution.
-
![US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system]()
US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system
The US Department of Defense has requested new contracting authorities from Congress, using the Army's MV-75 Cheyenne programme to demonstrate how competition, digital engineering and closer industry collaboration could accelerate acquisitions.
-
![US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule]()
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
